Shackleton’s Crossing

Since March 2001, Aurora Expeditions have offered the chance for a small band of adventurous souls to attempt to repeat the epic 1916 crossing of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, and trek for up to three days across South Georgia from King Haakon Bay to Stromness.

South Georgia offers a spectacular yet extreme mountain environment, which must be approached with great caution. Although the crossing does not involve any actual technical climbing, there is a steep ground crossing from the Tridents down to the Crean Glacier, as well as potential risks with crevasses.

This trip is suitable for persons with alpine trekking or mountaineering experience as it traverses glaciated and mountainous terrain. Our South Georgia Alpine Crossing by Ski or Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the chance to delve deep into some of the world’s most rugged and remote terrain.

Example Alpine Crossing Itinerary

Day 1
Ascend to Murray Snowfield, traverse up and over Trident Pass. Descend to Crean Camp.

Day 2
Pre-dawn start. Ascend Crean Glacier to Great Nunatak. Cross Fortuna Glacier and descend to Fortuna Bay. Overnight on the ship.

Day 3
Walk Fortuna Bay to Stromness, accompanied by fit passengers. Sail to Grytviken and Shackleton’s grave.

Please note: Itinerary is subject to departure time, weather and ice conditions. Crossing length, route and time will vary.

Crossing Length and Time

The crossing distance can vary from 35 to 50 kilometres depending on the route we take and involves crossing large, heavily crevassed glaciers and alpine passes. In good weather, the crossing could take only two days, but we allow three days in case of bad weather.

Our Guides

Our guides have many years of climbing experience in our destinations and hold relevant mountain instruction and safety certifications. The guide will lead the group adhering to strict safety practices as well as explain facts about the wildlife and other highlights as we come across them. We have one Alpine Crossing guide for every 4-6 crossers. You can view our Alpine Crossing guides’ profiles here.

How to Book

If you would like to participate in the Shackleton’s Crossing in South Georgia by Ski or by Foot, please request an Activity Form at the time of booking for submission. Our guides will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your place in the activity.